What are the normal hematocrit levels for men and women. How does low hematocrit affect your health. What symptoms indicate low red blood cell count. When should you be concerned about your hematocrit levels.

Understanding Hematocrit: A Crucial Blood Test Measure

Hematocrit (HCT) is a vital component of a complete blood count (CBC) that measures the percentage of red blood cells in a person’s blood volume. This test provides crucial insights into an individual’s overall health and can indicate various underlying conditions. A typical hematocrit range for healthy adults falls between 37% and 52%, though this can vary based on factors such as age, sex, and individual health circumstances.

Red blood cells play a critical role in our body’s functioning, primarily responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the system. These cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen molecules, enabling the cells to pick up oxygen from the lungs and deliver it to tissues and organs throughout the body. An adequate amount of red blood cells is essential for maintaining optimal health and ensuring all bodily processes run smoothly.

Normal Hematocrit Ranges

While different institutions may define normal hematocrit levels slightly differently, a 2017 cross-population study established the following typical ranges:

• Adult Males: 42-52%
• Adult Females: 37-47%
• Children: 30-44% (varying based on age and sex)
• Newborns: Higher levels that gradually decrease with age

Is hematocrit affected by external factors? Yes, several factors can influence hematocrit levels, including:

• Recent blood transfusions
• Pregnancy (which may lower levels due to increased blood volume)
• Smoking
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Altitude (levels tend to increase at higher elevations)
• Exercise, particularly strength training
• Dehydration (which can raise levels)

Low Hematocrit Levels: Causes and Implications

When hematocrit levels fall below 35% in women or 41% in men, it’s considered low. This condition, often indicative of chronic anemia, can have significant health implications. But what causes low hematocrit levels?

Several factors can contribute to a decrease in red blood cell count:

1. Iron deficiency
2. Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency
3. Chronic diseases such as kidney disease or cancer
4. Blood loss due to injury or internal bleeding
5. Bone marrow disorders
6. Certain medications
7. Pregnancy

Symptoms of Low Hematocrit

How do you know if you have low hematocrit levels? Individuals with low hematocrit often experience the following symptoms:

• Pale complexion
• Weakness and fatigue
• Low energy levels
• Difficulty breathing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Cold hands or feet

These symptoms closely mirror those of anemia, a condition characterized by low hemoglobin levels. While mild anemia is treatable and particularly common in women, severe anemia could signal more serious underlying health issues requiring extensive treatment.

High Hematocrit Levels: Risks and Associated Conditions

While low hematocrit levels are more commonly discussed, high levels can also pose significant health risks. Hematocrit levels above the typical ranges may indicate serious underlying health conditions. But what exactly constitutes high hematocrit?

For adult males, hematocrit levels above 52% are considered high, while for adult females, levels exceeding 47% fall into the high category. Elevated hematocrit levels can be associated with various conditions, including:

• Polycythemia vera, a rare blood disorder
• Dehydration
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Heart disease
• Kidney tumors

High hematocrit levels increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to serious complications such as stroke or heart attack. Therefore, it’s crucial to monitor and address elevated hematocrit levels promptly.

The Hematocrit Test: Process and Accuracy

How is a hematocrit test conducted? Typically, a healthcare professional will draw a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. This sample is then analyzed in a laboratory to determine the percentage of red blood cells in your blood volume.

Hematocrit tests are usually part of a complete blood count (CBC), which may include:

• Red blood cell count
• Reticulocyte count (young red blood cells)
• Analysis of hemoglobin levels
• Analysis of red blood cell size and shape
• White blood cell tests
• Platelet tests

Are hematocrit test results always accurate? Generally, hematocrit tests provide accurate and clear readings of a person’s red blood cell levels. However, it’s important to note that various factors can influence the results, including recent lifestyle changes, environmental factors, and certain medical conditions.

Importance of Hematocrit in Specific Medical Conditions

Hematocrit levels play a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions. For instance, doctors may request frequent hematocrit tests to monitor the effects of chemotherapy on a person’s bone marrow. In cases of suspected dehydration, a hematocrit test can provide valuable insights, as dehydration tends to raise hematocrit levels.

How does hematocrit relate to specific blood disorders? Certain blood-related conditions, such as sickle cell anemia, affect particular demographic groups at higher rates. For example, sickle cell anemia is more prevalent among African Americans. In such cases, hematocrit tests, along with other blood tests, can be instrumental in diagnosis and ongoing management of the condition.

Hematocrit and Pregnancy

Pregnant individuals often experience changes in their hematocrit levels. During pregnancy, the body increases its blood volume, which can lead to lower hematocrit levels than usual. Regular monitoring of hematocrit levels during pregnancy can help healthcare providers ensure the health of both the mother and the developing fetus.

Managing Abnormal Hematocrit Levels

If your hematocrit levels are found to be abnormal, what steps can be taken to address the issue? The approach to managing abnormal hematocrit levels depends on the underlying cause and whether the levels are high or low.

Managing Low Hematocrit Levels

For low hematocrit levels, treatment options may include:

• Iron supplements for iron-deficiency anemia
• Vitamin B12 injections or supplements for B12 deficiency
• Folate supplements for folate deficiency
• Treatment of underlying chronic conditions
• Blood transfusions in severe cases

Managing High Hematocrit Levels

For high hematocrit levels, treatment approaches might involve:

• Phlebotomy (removal of blood) to reduce red blood cell volume
• Hydration to combat dehydration-induced high levels
• Treatment of underlying conditions such as COPD or heart disease
• Lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking

In all cases, it’s crucial to work closely with healthcare providers to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on individual circumstances and overall health status.

Lifestyle Factors Influencing Hematocrit Levels

Can lifestyle choices affect your hematocrit levels? Indeed, various lifestyle factors can influence hematocrit levels, either positively or negatively. Understanding these factors can help individuals maintain healthy hematocrit levels and overall well-being.

Exercise and Hematocrit

Physical activity, particularly strength training, can impact hematocrit levels. A 2018 study involving 26 middle-aged, sedentary Turkish women found that participants who engaged in 16 weeks of strength exercise had lower hematocrit levels at the end of the program compared to when they started. While this study had a small sample size and may not be representative of the wider population, it suggests a potential link between exercise and hematocrit levels.

Altitude and Hematocrit

Living or spending time at high altitudes can affect hematocrit levels. Research indicates that red blood cell counts tend to increase at high altitudes as the body adapts to lower oxygen levels. This adaptation helps ensure adequate oxygen delivery to tissues despite the reduced oxygen availability in the air.

Hydration and Hematocrit

Proper hydration plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy hematocrit levels. Dehydration can lead to an increase in hematocrit levels as the blood becomes more concentrated. Conversely, overhydration can potentially lead to a decrease in hematocrit levels. Maintaining proper hydration is essential for overall health and can help keep hematocrit levels within the normal range.

Diet and Hematocrit

Dietary choices can significantly impact hematocrit levels, particularly in cases of nutritional deficiencies. A diet rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folate can help maintain healthy red blood cell production. Some foods that can positively influence hematocrit levels include:

• Lean meats and poultry
• Fish
• Leafy green vegetables
• Legumes
• Fortified cereals
• Nuts and seeds

Individuals with low hematocrit levels due to nutritional deficiencies may benefit from incorporating these foods into their diet or considering appropriate supplements under medical supervision.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Hematocrit Concerns

How do you know when it’s time to consult a healthcare provider about your hematocrit levels? While routine blood tests often include hematocrit measurements, there are certain symptoms and situations that warrant immediate medical attention.

Seek medical advice if you experience:

• Persistent fatigue or weakness
• Shortness of breath, especially during mild exertion
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Pale skin or mucous membranes
• Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
• Unexplained bruising or bleeding

Additionally, individuals with chronic conditions that can affect hematocrit levels, such as kidney disease or certain types of cancer, should follow their healthcare provider’s recommendations for regular monitoring.

Preparing for a Hematocrit Test

If your healthcare provider recommends a hematocrit test, how should you prepare? In most cases, no special preparation is needed for a hematocrit test. However, your doctor may provide specific instructions based on your individual circumstances. It’s important to inform your healthcare provider about any medications you’re taking, as some drugs can affect hematocrit levels.

For the most accurate results, it’s generally advisable to:

• Stay well-hydrated before the test
• Avoid strenuous exercise immediately before the test
• Inform your healthcare provider if you’ve recently traveled to high-altitude areas
• Mention any recent illnesses or significant lifestyle changes

By following these guidelines and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider, you can ensure the most accurate assessment of your hematocrit levels and overall health status.

What it is, levels, high and low range

Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in a person’s blood. A typical hematocrit range in healthy adults is 37–52%. This varies depending on a person’s sex and age.

Authors of a 2017 study identified the above typical range.

Low red blood cell levels indicate conditions such as anemia. High red blood cell levels could signal polycythemia, increasing a person’s chance of developing a blood clot.

If a person feels tired, dizzy, or short of breath, a doctor may want to test their hematocrit levels to see if those levels fall into a normal range or not.

Read on to learn more about what this measure of red blood cell volume means, symptoms of abnormal levels, and what low and high levels might indicate.

Hematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells in the body. For example: if a person has 50 milliliters (ml) of red blood cells in 100 ml of blood, their hematocrit level is 50%.

Red blood cells transport oxygen around the body and give blood its characteristic red color. In addition to oxygen, they also contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen molecules. This allows red blood cells to pick up oxygen from the lungs and deliver it throughout the body.

An adequate amount of red blood cells is essential to keep the body’s processes running smoothly.

Many conditions can affect red blood cell production or its life cycle. This can make it difficult for a medical professional to diagnose these conditions. A doctor will use a hematocrit test to confirm whether a person’s red blood cell count is affecting a health condition.

Doctors usually test hematocrit levels as part of a complete blood count (CBC).

A CBC is composed of a range of tests and may include:

• red blood cell count
• reticulocyte count (young red blood cells)
• an analysis of hemoglobin levels
• an analysis of red blood cells, including size and shape
• white blood cell tests
• platelet tests

A doctor will also consider a person’s sex, race, and age. It is important to note that certain blood-related conditions, such as sickle-cell anemia, affect particular demographic groups at higher rates.

Learn more about sickle cell anemia in African Americans here.

A doctor may request frequent hematocrit tests to monitor the effect of chemotherapy on a person’s bone marrow.

Both high and low hematocrit levels can be detrimental to a person’s health and result from various conditions and lifestyle factors.

What are normal hematocrit levels?

Different institutions will define normal hematocrit levels differently. However, a 2017 cross-population study found the following ranges to be typical.

• Male: 42-52%
• Female: 37-47%
• Children: 30–44%, depending on their age and sex

Newborn babies have high hematocrit levels that gradually decrease as they get older.

If a person has recently received a blood transfusion, it may affect their results. Additionally, pregnant individuals may have lower levels than usual because the body increases its blood volume during pregnancy.

Other factors, such as smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may push levels into a higher range.

Low levels

A hematocrit level below 35% in women and 41% in men is low. A level under this value can signify chronic anemia.

High levels

Hematocrit levels above the typical ranges can have adverse effects. It may indicate serious underlying health conditions.

Accuracy of results

Results from hematocrit tests are typically accurate and provide a clear reading of a person’s red blood cell levels.

However, the percentage of red blood cells in someone’s blood can change depending on various lifestyle factors and even environmental changes. According to research, red blood cell counts tend to increase at high altitudes.

Exercise, particularly strength training, may also affect hematocrit levels. A 2018 study found that females who participated in 16 weeks of strength exercise had lower levels at the end than when they started. However, the study had a small sample size of 26 middle-aged, sedentary Turkish women. This means that these findings aren’t necessarily representative of a wider population.

Dehydration can also raise hematocrit levels, so this test is useful if a doctor suspects severe dehydration is the cause of a person’s symptoms.

When a person has low hematocrit levels, they tend to present with the following symptoms:

• pale complexion
• weakness
• fatigue
• low energy
• trouble breathing
• irregular heartbeat
• cold hands or feet

These symptoms also indicate anemia, a condition where hemoglobin levels are lower than normal. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body.

Mild anemia is treatable, and it is particularly common in women. Severe anemia could signal a more serious underlying health condition that requires more extensive treatment.

Doctors associate anemia with several health conditions, including:

Nutrient deficiency

A person may lack B12, folate, or iron in their diet.

Learn more about how nutrient deficiency anemia is diagnosed and treated.

Chronic bleeding

This commonly occurs due to digestive tract ulcers, which are sores caused by the bacteria H.pylori or chronic use of anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and aspirin. Many women also experience excessive blood loss from heavy menstrual bleeding.

Bone marrow disorder

This includes aplastic anemia, which damages stem cells in bone marrow.

Cancer

These cancers spread to bone marrow, such as leukemia and lymphoma.

Learn more about bone marrow cancers here.

Kidney failure

Kidney disease can lower the production of red blood cells, reducing hematocrit levels.

Thalassemia

When a person has this condition, their body does not produce enough hemoglobin.

Learn more about thalassemia here.

Sickle cell anemia

This condition changes the shape of red blood cells. These cells die earlier than normal, and they also clump together, which impairs blood flow.

Learn more about sickle cell anemia here.

Autoimmune disease

Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus may reduce red blood cell count.

Learn more about autoimmune diseases here.

When a person has high hematocrit levels, they tend to present with these symptoms:

• flushed skin
• dizziness
• vision problems
• headaches
• enlarged spleen

These symptoms signal polycythemia, a condition where the body produces too many red blood cells. This means blood is thicker and clots more easily.

Doctors cannot cure polycythemia, so treatment focuses on symptom management. The main goal is to avoid stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot usually occurring in a deep vein in the leg.

In some cases, dehydration causes polycythemia. When a person does not drink enough, their plasma levels drop, increasing the proportion of red blood cells in their blood volume. A person can lower their red blood cell count by rehydrating.

Some conditions that can cause high hematocrit levels include:

Lung or pulmonary disease

When the lungs cannot absorb oxygen effectively, and oxygen levels drop, the body compensates by making more red blood cells. One common pulmonary disease causing this is COPD.

Learn more about COPD here.

Heart disease

If the structure of a person’s heart reduces its ability to pump blood around the body, it can no longer sustain vital organs with oxygen. To try and overcome the oxygen deficit, the body produces more red blood cells.

Learn more about heart disease here.

Kidney cancer

Sometimes kidney cancer cells create more erythropoietin. Erythropoietin is a hormone that tells the bone marrow to create more red blood cells.

Learn more about kidney cancer here.

Genetic disease

The JAK2 gene, which controls the number of blood cells made in the bone marrow, can affect certain conditions. When someone has a mutated JAK2 gene, the body could make a protein that signals the bone marrow to create more red blood cells than it needs.

Learn more about genetic disorders here.

A person should speak with a doctor if they are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above that could be a sign of high or low hematocrit levels, including fatigue, weakness, vision problems, and dizziness.

These symptoms can also indicate an underlying condition, so a person must contact a doctor promptly to prevent future complications.

If a person is receiving chemotherapy treatment, a doctor should perform regular hematocrit tests to monitor bone marrow health.

Hematocrit is the percentage of blood cells in a person’s blood volume. A doctor may test an individual’s hematocrit level due to certain symptoms.

A low hematocrit level means there are too few red blood cells in the body. In these cases, a person may experience symptoms that signal anemia. Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, and low energy.

If a person has too many red blood cells, they have a high hematocrit level. A person may experience dizziness and headaches, which can be a sign of the condition polycythemia.

Demographic and lifestyle factors can influence a person’s hematocrit levels. For example, males tend to have higher levels than females. Pregnant individuals can experience a decrease in hematocrit levels, and strength training may also reduce levels.

There are also several health conditions that can cause hematocrit levels outside the normal range. Excessive bleeding, thalassemia, and kidney disease are causes of low levels. COPD and sickle cell anemia can cause high levels.

Read this article in Spanish.

What it is, levels, high and low range

Hematocrit is the percentage of red blood cells in a person’s blood. A typical hematocrit range in healthy adults is 37–52%. This varies depending on a person’s sex and age.

Authors of a 2017 study identified the above typical range.

Low red blood cell levels indicate conditions such as anemia. High red blood cell levels could signal polycythemia, increasing a person’s chance of developing a blood clot.

If a person feels tired, dizzy, or short of breath, a doctor may want to test their hematocrit levels to see if those levels fall into a normal range or not.

Read on to learn more about what this measure of red blood cell volume means, symptoms of abnormal levels, and what low and high levels might indicate.

Hematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells in the body. For example: if a person has 50 milliliters (ml) of red blood cells in 100 ml of blood, their hematocrit level is 50%.

Red blood cells transport oxygen around the body and give blood its characteristic red color. In addition to oxygen, they also contain hemoglobin, a protein that binds to oxygen molecules. This allows red blood cells to pick up oxygen from the lungs and deliver it throughout the body.

An adequate amount of red blood cells is essential to keep the body’s processes running smoothly.

Many conditions can affect red blood cell production or its life cycle. This can make it difficult for a medical professional to diagnose these conditions. A doctor will use a hematocrit test to confirm whether a person’s red blood cell count is affecting a health condition.

Doctors usually test hematocrit levels as part of a complete blood count (CBC).

A CBC is composed of a range of tests and may include:

• red blood cell count
• reticulocyte count (young red blood cells)
• an analysis of hemoglobin levels
• an analysis of red blood cells, including size and shape
• white blood cell tests
• platelet tests

A doctor will also consider a person’s sex, race, and age. It is important to note that certain blood-related conditions, such as sickle-cell anemia, affect particular demographic groups at higher rates.

Learn more about sickle cell anemia in African Americans here.

A doctor may request frequent hematocrit tests to monitor the effect of chemotherapy on a person’s bone marrow.

Both high and low hematocrit levels can be detrimental to a person’s health and result from various conditions and lifestyle factors.

What are normal hematocrit levels?

Different institutions will define normal hematocrit levels differently. However, a 2017 cross-population study found the following ranges to be typical.

• Male: 42-52%
• Female: 37-47%
• Children: 30–44%, depending on their age and sex

Newborn babies have high hematocrit levels that gradually decrease as they get older.

If a person has recently received a blood transfusion, it may affect their results. Additionally, pregnant individuals may have lower levels than usual because the body increases its blood volume during pregnancy.

Other factors, such as smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may push levels into a higher range.

Low levels

A hematocrit level below 35% in women and 41% in men is low. A level under this value can signify chronic anemia.

High levels

Hematocrit levels above the typical ranges can have adverse effects. It may indicate serious underlying health conditions.

Accuracy of results

Results from hematocrit tests are typically accurate and provide a clear reading of a person’s red blood cell levels.

However, the percentage of red blood cells in someone’s blood can change depending on various lifestyle factors and even environmental changes. According to research, red blood cell counts tend to increase at high altitudes.

Exercise, particularly strength training, may also affect hematocrit levels. A 2018 study found that females who participated in 16 weeks of strength exercise had lower levels at the end than when they started. However, the study had a small sample size of 26 middle-aged, sedentary Turkish women. This means that these findings aren’t necessarily representative of a wider population.

Dehydration can also raise hematocrit levels, so this test is useful if a doctor suspects severe dehydration is the cause of a person’s symptoms.

When a person has low hematocrit levels, they tend to present with the following symptoms:

• pale complexion
• weakness
• fatigue
• low energy
• trouble breathing
• irregular heartbeat
• cold hands or feet

These symptoms also indicate anemia, a condition where hemoglobin levels are lower than normal. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body.

Mild anemia is treatable, and it is particularly common in women. Severe anemia could signal a more serious underlying health condition that requires more extensive treatment.

Doctors associate anemia with several health conditions, including:

Nutrient deficiency

A person may lack B12, folate, or iron in their diet.

Learn more about how nutrient deficiency anemia is diagnosed and treated.

Chronic bleeding

This commonly occurs due to digestive tract ulcers, which are sores caused by the bacteria H. pylori or chronic use of anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and aspirin. Many women also experience excessive blood loss from heavy menstrual bleeding.

Bone marrow disorder

This includes aplastic anemia, which damages stem cells in bone marrow.

Cancer

These cancers spread to bone marrow, such as leukemia and lymphoma.

Learn more about bone marrow cancers here.

Kidney failure

Kidney disease can lower the production of red blood cells, reducing hematocrit levels.

Thalassemia

When a person has this condition, their body does not produce enough hemoglobin.

Learn more about thalassemia here.

Sickle cell anemia

This condition changes the shape of red blood cells. These cells die earlier than normal, and they also clump together, which impairs blood flow.

Learn more about sickle cell anemia here.

Autoimmune disease

Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus may reduce red blood cell count.

Learn more about autoimmune diseases here.

When a person has high hematocrit levels, they tend to present with these symptoms:

• flushed skin
• dizziness
• vision problems
• headaches
• enlarged spleen

These symptoms signal polycythemia, a condition where the body produces too many red blood cells. This means blood is thicker and clots more easily.

Doctors cannot cure polycythemia, so treatment focuses on symptom management. The main goal is to avoid stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot usually occurring in a deep vein in the leg.

In some cases, dehydration causes polycythemia. When a person does not drink enough, their plasma levels drop, increasing the proportion of red blood cells in their blood volume. A person can lower their red blood cell count by rehydrating.

Some conditions that can cause high hematocrit levels include:

Lung or pulmonary disease

When the lungs cannot absorb oxygen effectively, and oxygen levels drop, the body compensates by making more red blood cells. One common pulmonary disease causing this is COPD.

Learn more about COPD here.

Heart disease

If the structure of a person’s heart reduces its ability to pump blood around the body, it can no longer sustain vital organs with oxygen. To try and overcome the oxygen deficit, the body produces more red blood cells.

Learn more about heart disease here.

Kidney cancer

Sometimes kidney cancer cells create more erythropoietin. Erythropoietin is a hormone that tells the bone marrow to create more red blood cells.

Learn more about kidney cancer here.

Genetic disease

The JAK2 gene, which controls the number of blood cells made in the bone marrow, can affect certain conditions. When someone has a mutated JAK2 gene, the body could make a protein that signals the bone marrow to create more red blood cells than it needs.

Learn more about genetic disorders here.

A person should speak with a doctor if they are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above that could be a sign of high or low hematocrit levels, including fatigue, weakness, vision problems, and dizziness.

These symptoms can also indicate an underlying condition, so a person must contact a doctor promptly to prevent future complications.

If a person is receiving chemotherapy treatment, a doctor should perform regular hematocrit tests to monitor bone marrow health.

Hematocrit is the percentage of blood cells in a person’s blood volume. A doctor may test an individual’s hematocrit level due to certain symptoms.

A low hematocrit level means there are too few red blood cells in the body. In these cases, a person may experience symptoms that signal anemia. Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, and low energy.

If a person has too many red blood cells, they have a high hematocrit level. A person may experience dizziness and headaches, which can be a sign of the condition polycythemia.

Demographic and lifestyle factors can influence a person’s hematocrit levels. For example, males tend to have higher levels than females. Pregnant individuals can experience a decrease in hematocrit levels, and strength training may also reduce levels.

There are also several health conditions that can cause hematocrit levels outside the normal range. Excessive bleeding, thalassemia, and kidney disease are causes of low levels. COPD and sickle cell anemia can cause high levels.

Read this article in Spanish.

norm in a child, women, men, causes of increased, decreased values ​​in the blood

Hematocrit is one of the blood indicators that registers the total volume of all formed elements, and these are erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets, in relation to the total volume. Moreover, 99% of the volume of all these elements falls on erythrocytes. The hematocrit (Ht) is expressed as a percentage, but a liter per liter (L/L) can also be selected.

Human blood contains from 36 to 48% of formed elements, it also contains plasma, water, proteins, carbohydrates and salts.

Hematocrit is determined simply: a certain amount of blood is poured into a special tube with graduation, then it is sent to a centrifuge, and at the end of the process, the fraction of the length of the tube that was filled with erythrocyte mass is determined. Also, laboratories now use automatic hematology analyzers that allow you to get data in just a few minutes.

Blood hematocrit norm

The body of an adult healthy person contains about 5 liters of blood. Erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets cannot be called cells, they do not have the necessary parameters for this. Therefore, they are called formed elements. Different people have different amounts of these elements per liter of blood. For example, according to statistics, the hematocrit in men is higher and equal to 40-41%, sometimes this figure can reach 51%.

Hematocrit in women is slightly lower and usually ranges from 36-42%. The reason for this is such a physiological feature as menstruation. As for the period of pregnancy, here this figure begins to decrease in the second half, and this is also not a pathology.

Hematocrit in children always depends on age, therefore, before drawing conclusions from the analysis, it is necessary to find out how many months or years the baby is. In newborn babies, this figure can be equal to 44-62%, at the age of 3 months it decreases and the figure becomes up to 44%, from 3 months to 1 year the figures can range from 32 to 43%. In the first ten years, Ht in boys can rise to 52%, and in girls it can be at around 35-47%. In subsequent years, the hematocrit norm is equal to the same indicator that is recorded in adults.

Causes of increased hematocrit

Why can it happen that the hematocrit in the blood test is elevated? There are pathological and physiological causes, so before starting any treatment, it is important to understand their origin.

Pathological causes include the following diseases and conditions:

1. Dehydration (dehydration). Due to the fact that the amount of blood that circulates through the vessels decreases, the formed elements are in a more concentrated state. This happens with vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, overheating, lack of fluid.
2. Second and third degree burns. In this case, blisters appear on the body, which are filled with plasma, and it appeared in them from the bloodstream. Therefore, the blood becomes thicker, and the concentration of formed elements increases.
3. Peritonitis, thrombosis or diabetes mellitus.
4. Chronic hypoxia.
5. Regular use of glucocorticosteroids or diuretics.
6. Kidney disease – hydronephrosis.
7. Almost all blood diseases, including leukemia.
8. Polycystic.
9. Heart defects, ischemic heart disease.
10. Erythremia.
11. Many lung diseases, including asthma, bronchitis.
12. Severe bleeding.

However, hematocrit analysis alone is not enough to make an accurate diagnosis, it is not very informative. Therefore, it is often done as part of a general blood test, and further therapy tactics are already built on it, if it turns out to be necessary.

But elevated hematocrit can also be the result of certain physiological phenomena. In this case, deviations of this indicator cannot be considered pathological. High Ht in comparison with the norm is detected in people who smoke constantly and for a long time, which is associated with the development of chronic oxygen starvation of tissues and increased production of red blood cells.

Residents of high mountain regions and mountaineers who spend a lot of time at altitude also have Ht in the range of 51-52%. This is all connected with the same oxygen starvation and the need for the body to compensate for this lack. Also, elevated Ht is typical for athletes who take anabolics that help them gain the required amount of muscle mass.

Manifestations and symptoms of elevated hematocrit

If the hematocrit in the blood is elevated, then this will not necessarily be expressed by certain symptoms. However, it should be remembered that this condition is always expressed by an increase in blood viscosity, which creates a great threat for the formation of blood clots and clogging of both small and large vessels.

If this happens in the coronary arteries, then myocardial infarction develops against the background of thrombosis. If a thrombus forms in the pulmonary artery, then death occurs in 70% of all cases. If the arteries of the brain are affected, then this leads to the development of an ischemic stroke. With thrombosis of the vessels of the legs, gangrene begins to develop.

Therefore, it is important to find out the cause of elevated Ht as soon as possible and start timely treatment.

Reasons for low hematocrit

A decrease in hematocrit can occur without any pronounced symptoms, so this result is usually detected after a blood test and is an unexpected discovery for a person.

The main reasons why the hematocrit may be low are:

• virtually all anemias, including iron deficiency, folate deficiency, B12 deficiency;
• violation of the production of red blood cells due to pathologies of the bone marrow, including oncological ones;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• diseases of the urinary system;
• hemolysis or destruction of red blood cells;
• chronic bleeding;
• increase in circulating blood volume;
• hyperproteinemia;
• lead intoxication;
• acute infections;
• the use of anticoagulants and similar drugs that affect the composition of the blood.

Decreased hematocrit may have physiological causes. This is work associated with a long stay in one position, starvation or adherence to strict diets, a large amount of fluid that enters the body, alcoholism, the use of large amounts of salt, the period of menstruation.

Manifestations and symptoms of low hematocrit

The reasons for the drop in hematocrit will directly affect what symptoms a person experiences. For example, if it is anemia, then there will be such complaints:

• headache and constant weakness;
• impaired consciousness and breathing;
• dizziness, nausea or vomiting;
• constant thirst;
• lack of strength and exercise intolerance.

If the cause is kidney and urinary system diseases, then there will be complaints about a decrease in the amount of urine excreted, pain in the lumbar region, urination disorder, and changes in blood pressure.

With cirrhosis of the liver, complaints will be of pain in the right side of the abdomen under the ribs, the appearance of spider veins on the skin, indigestion, excessive formation of gases, a feeling of fullness in the abdomen, in advanced cases – internal bleeding.

What tests are needed?

To find out the relative content of all formed elements in the blood, it is necessary to analyze the hematocrit. It is done as part of a general blood test (CBC), when, together with Ht, the number of all elements is calculated, and the ESR is also determined.

Usually, it is with the KLA that a patient’s examination begins to identify a particular disease, or it is carried out for preventive purposes as part of a medical examination, medical examination.

Both venous blood and capillary fingerstick blood can be used for analysis. It is best to take the test in the morning, before breakfast. This allows you to get the right readings that will help the doctor determine if Ht is elevated or low, or its values ​​are within the normal range.

What does it mean if the hematocrit is below normal in an adult

In this article we consider what to do if the hematocrit is below normal, what does this mean in an adult?

Determination of the hematocrit value is included in the extended complete blood count. The criterion allows you to evaluate the work of the hematopoietic system. The functioning of other organs directly depends on its full functional activity, since it is erythrocytes that deliver oxygen to organs and tissues.

A decrease in hematocrit may occur without the manifestation of pronounced clinical symptoms. A person can attribute increased fatigue to high workload and lack of time for rest. However, a decrease in hematocrit is one of the first symptoms of anemia that requires treatment. The article also addresses the issue of the danger of a long-term decrease in hematocrit.

What does hematocrit show?

The value reflects the volume of the liquid part of the blood, which contains formed elements (erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets) in the bloodstream. The hematocrit value is measured as a percentage. So, if the analysis indicates that the hematocrit is 40%, this means that 40% of red blood cells, platelets, etc. are present in 100 ml of blood.

Decreased hematocrit in the blood is observed in patients with a low number of red blood cells in the bloodstream. The indicator also takes into account the size of blood cells. Their decrease is naturally reflected in the results of the analysis.

Measurement of hematocrit is useful in the diagnosis of anemia and hyperproteinemia, as well as in assessing the effectiveness of the selected treatment methods. The test is performed on patients with dehydration to assess the severity of their condition. Included in the list of obligatory determinable indicators for people who are scheduled for blood transfusion, and for pregnant women.

Main article: What is hematocrit, why is it needed and what are its norms?

Hematocrit is below normal – what does it mean?

A low hematocrit in an adult indicates a reduction in the number of red blood cells in the blood. In this case, the doctor will prescribe additional laboratory tests and instrumental diagnostic methods. Among the laboratory parameters, it is important to determine: the level of iron and ferritin, as well as to evaluate the biochemical parameters of the blood. Of the instrumental methods, it is preferable to conduct an ultrasound examination of the digestive organs, liver and small pelvis. Based on the results of a comprehensive examination and the collected history of the patient, the doctor determines the cause of the low hematocrit.

It should be borne in mind that if a woman gave biomaterial for analysis during menstruation, then the hematocrit is below normal – this is a standard phenomenon. During this period, a woman loses a certain amount of blood, which means that the level of red blood cells is somewhat reduced.

It is important to follow the rules of patient preparation, as well as the collection and transport of biomaterial. During venipuncture, destruction of red blood cells in vitro (hemolysis) can occur. For example, due to strong or prolonged squeezing of the site of taking the biomaterial with a tourniquet or at the wrong temperature for storing the collected blood. The obtained indications cannot be considered reliable, and the patient will definitely need to re-take the biomaterial.

Causes of a decrease in hematocrit in adults

Only the attending physician after a complete diagnosis can determine the exact cause in each specific case. Consider the main causes of low hematocrit in adults.

Anemia (anemia) describes a group of similar syndromes, united on the basis of a total decrease in the level of hemoglobin and the number of red blood cells. It should be noted that the isolated term “anemia”, without clarifying explanations, does not describe a specific disease. In this case, it is only a separate symptom of a disease.

The decrease in the number of erythrocytes is mainly accompanied by changes in their qualitative composition. Which leads to a deterioration in respiratory activity and the gradual development of oxygen starvation of the tissues of all organs. The main symptoms of anemia are:

• pale skin;
• increased weakness and fatigue;
• desire to eat chalk, earth, raw meat;
• hair loss, brittle nails, dry skin;
• decreased memory and performance;
• bluish or yellowish sclera;
• earthy skin tone;
• persistent drowsiness;
• frequent headaches and dizziness;
• shortness of breath even with little physical activity;
• tachycardia.

The main causes of anemia

There are many known mechanisms for the development of anemia. Let’s consider the main ones:

• Malfunctions in the process of synthesis of red blood cells and hemoglobin due to lack of iron and vitamins B 9 in the human bodyand 12, as well as for pathologies of the red bone marrow.
• Deficiency of red blood cells due to large blood loss, for example, in serious injuries or during surgery. A similar condition occurs in people with chronic bleeding (hemorrhoidal bleeding, intercycle blood loss in women, etc.). The main mechanism is a decrease in the concentration of iron, and not a decrease in the number of red blood cells.
• Mechanism of enhanced destruction of blood cells. The average lifespan of red blood cells is 4 months. With the manifestation of pathologies affecting the hematopoietic system, blood cells begin to degrade at an accelerated rate. The decay process is also influenced by external factors, for example, the use of vinegar in large quantities.

The prognosis of the outcome of iron deficiency anemia is extremely favorable. The condition is stopped by taking iron and vitamins. The outcome of other forms of anemia depends on their severity.

Read more: Causes and characteristics of low hematocrit in children

Fluid in the body

Hematocrit is also lowered with increased fluid content in the body of an adult. This condition is not associated with excessive fluid intake, but with its retention in the body. Causes: kidney pathology, viral or bacterial infection. There is an increase in blood plasma volumes, while the number of red blood cells does not increase. This naturally leads to a decrease in the hematocrit value.

Advertisement noindex–>

Hyperproteinemia and nutrition

Another reason is hyperproteinemia. Pathology is characterized by an excess content of proteins in the bloodstream. It occurs due to a violation of the normal functioning of the liver. Proteins begin to “attract” an excess amount of water, while the number of red blood cells does not increase. Thus, their percentage with blood plasma decreases.

In adult patients, the hematocrit is also reduced with a sharp change in diet, prolonged fasting and blood loss.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, especially in the second trimester, a decrease in the value in question is considered normal. In women, the level of plasma volume increases, and red blood cells are not synthesized at an accelerated pace. Thus, the percentage of plasma-erythrocytes is shifted towards a decrease in the latter. The decrease in hematocrit value begins from the fourth week, reaching a peak by 31-35 weeks.

Advertising 70% GOOGLE native mob–>

However, a long-term decrease in the indicator should not be ignored, additional diagnostics should be carried out in order to exclude the possible development of pathological conditions. Thus, a decrease in hematocrit up to 30% can cause the development of intrauterine fetal hypoxia, impaired fetoplacental circulation, fetal growth retardation, etc. An indicator of 15 to 25% indicates the need for immediate hospitalization of a pregnant woman, followed by continuous monitoring.

Other causes

Also, low hematocrit in adults can be observed with:

• lead intoxication;
• splenomegaly;
• leukemias;
• conditions after chemotherapy;
• acute infectious processes;
• severe intoxications.

Is low hematocrit dangerous?

The main function of red blood cells is the sufficient supply of cells and tissues with molecular oxygen. With their decrease, there is an insufficient supply of oxygen to the organs. This has a particularly negative effect on the functional activity of the brain. A person has a decrease in concentration, memory and mental activity.

Adults with a low hematocrit are more susceptible to infectious diseases, are unable to function fully, get tired more quickly and lose concentration. In the future, a lack of red blood cells can lead to the development of pathologies of the cardiovascular system, liver and kidneys.

Methods for increasing hematocrit

Do not try to increase the level of red blood cells on your own. The necessary treatment will be selected by a specialist based on the results of laboratory and instrumental studies. In case of prolonged starvation or dehydration, it is necessary to restore the normal diet and the amount of fluid consumed per day. In this case, the patient can do without drug therapy. It is also important to establish a daily routine and plan enough time for rest and walks in the fresh air.

If there is a shortage of iron or other elements, the doctor will select the necessary drugs, their dosage and determine the duration of their course. You should not interrupt the course of treatment yourself, even if the symptoms of anemia no longer bother you. Iron-rich foods should be included in the diet. For example, beef liver, seafood, lentils, red meat, nuts and pomegranate.

The use of alternative methods of treatment without prior agreement with the doctor is unacceptable.